PANDEMONIUM QUILT TUTORIAL #1 - Basic Applique

             PANDEMONIUM QUILT TUTORIAL # 1 - Basic Applique.

Hello Everyone,

Having consulted Janet Treen ( thanks Janet!) as to how to do this tutorial with multiple photos, I thought I'd start with a basic applique and then go on to the different applique blocks in the Pandemonium Quilt and after, go on to the pieced blocks. ( if anyone has a suggestion as how I should tackle this, please let me know)  I'll proceed with the way I usually approach my applique.

After you've opened up your applique sheets, cut up the big sheets into the blocks, it is probably easier to handle. Number the applique motifs in the block from #1 to whatever, however, instead of numbering the different parts of the shape as #1,#2,#3 etc, use #1/1, # 1/2, # 1/3 and so on.
Do same for the freezer paper templates,this way, when you cut up the different bits, it will be easier to find, see photo of the freezer paper diagram below: 

I would also put those slash marks as in the photo, you'll see later why I would do this.

And when you cut up the shape, don't cut right through, leave a tiny bit of paper hanging, see photo below. I use a craft knife to cut my freezer paper templates.

I usually do this as I cut out all my freezer paper templates in the one go and store them in a zip lock bag till I'm ready to do the fabric cutting. Leaving the bird above as a unit will make it easier to find. 

Having chosen your background fabric, transfer the design onto the fabric. Use a light box, and if you don't have a light box but have a glass top coffee table, put a lamp under the glass top. Failing this, go the the picture framing store and purchase a glass sheet, cover edges with masking tape, place the glass sheet on 2 stacks of telephone books and slide a lamp under the glass.

On the background fabric, I also write the numbering ( the same ones as on the paper sheet). It is going to be covered up with the applique fabric anyway and it is going to make it easier for you to find the matching freezer paper templates.

Having done this, we come to the fun part, choosing the fabrics and cutting up the pieces. ( I love this part, scissors clippping away) 

Now, you can dismember the bird template and iron them onto the right side of the print fabric.

I don't know if you've ever tried this pen, it is called " Frixion" and on it it says " remove by friction"

I've used this pen to mark around the shapes. It is rather effective and when ironed, the black marks disappear. It also comes in various colours. Perhaps it is best to do a test for yourself, just in case it damages the fabric. 
Better safe than sorry. Otherwise, use a 2B pencil. 

Notice that I've extended the slash markings onto the fabric, I'll be using these to position the different parts of the bird.

Like in the next photos,

I also baste the pieces with a running stitch close to the seam line. Or, you can use the Roxanne Glue with the needle like tip. 

Now, you are ready to needle turn applique, it is really easy.

Trim the seam allowance to about 1/8", but in a big piece like the coral tree, only trim about an inch or so at a time, or the fabric will start to fray.

Use a small needle, number 12 or 10, I usually use the silk threads or the Aurifill thread. 

Just in case you've noticed, I'm a left handed person ! so may be you'll need a mirror to see the mirror image. Sorry - but I can't applique with my right hand. I think this is probably why I get lost when I'm driving.
  

When you get to a point, do a double stitch, then stuff the fabric in, press it with your finger and stitch down, easy peasey.

You now have all the parts of the motif that need to go under the body done. Trim the seam alllowance a little bit.

Using those slash marks as guides, position the body of the bird.

And baste or glue the body close to the seam line.
 

Applique, 

When you get to the tip of the beak, stitch down twice,
 

And again push in the fabric, press with your finger and continue applique. 
It's not hard is it?
 

The concave curve - there are a lot of these in my patterns. Fear not. It is really a cinch.

Clip the concave curve and just sweep the seam allowance in with your needle, press with your finger and applique away. That was simple ...
 

Concave curves must result in convex ones as in the tail end of the bird. Push the fabric in small bits at a time, press with finger and sew - repeat this till you have all the bumpy bit sewn up. If you try to push the whole bump in the one go, you'll probably end up with a lot of fraying, with me anyway!

Voila, the bird is done! Easy isn't it ?

Righto ( that's Oz speak for OK) - this ends the first tutorial. I hope you manage to get something out of these ramblings! Let me know if you would like me to cover other aspects of the applique basic. If I know how to do it, I'll certainly try and show you.
I've tried all sorts of methods when I first started doing applique, I still find the needleturn as described above the simplest.
Please, if you have other methods, do a post and we can all learn something.

If you want to do a post, please email Janet Treen, see the column on the right side, you can join in as a contributor and post your photos or tips.

Next time, I'll start on the Pandemonium applique  blocks. I'll try and explain how I go about choosing fabrics for the block and what aspects of the block to watch out for. Cheers,  Kim McLean